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“His uncle Shannon was like a big brother to him and he always looked up to him. The bond they had was something really special.”
New single honours the deep bond and friendship singer had with his Uncle Shirl
By Crystal St.Pierre, Windspeaker.com
AUG. 8—Singer/songwriter Mike Bern’s single, “Shrine of Shirl”, is a beautiful dedication to his uncle Shannon Saulis. He passed away three years ago from cancer, but his memory lives on each and every day within Bern’s heart.
"It's so cool. Gathering at the games is culture, and it's healing. It's so powerful."
Alberta Indigenous Games 2022 returns with bigger numbers
By Daniel Barker-Tremblay, CFWERadio.ca
AUG. 8—The 2022 Alberta Indigenous Games are set to begin this week and a large turnout is expected. Jacob Hendy, executive director of the Alberta Indigenous Games, talked about the number of participants during the last years of the COVID-19 pandemic compared to this year’s event. They expect the number of participants to double.
Alberta Indigenous Games 2022 returns with bigger numbers - CFWE (cfweradio.ca)
“The Pow Wow Pitch is an amazing experience, and if you have an Indigenous opportunity that you want to pitch, next year I think you should absolutely pitch it.”
Local Indigenous woman in Pow Wow Pitch competition semi finals
By Daniel Barker-Tremblay, CFWERadio.ca
AUG. 8—The Pow Wow Pitch, —a North Americans pitch competition for Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island— has selected a local woman as a semi-finalist. Kimberly Kayman, executive director of Quest Accommodation from the Athahkakoop Cree Nation, was chosen on June 20 from over 2,400 applicants to help grow her business.
Local Indigenous woman in Pow Wow Pitch competition semi finals - CFWE (cfweradio.ca)
“We are providing a platform for the youth, to talk about what they want to see in their future.”
Young people to have their say at the Tee Pee Summit
By Crystal St.Pierre, Windspeaker.com
AUG. 8—Youth from across Alberta are being provided with the opportunity to voice their concerns on a number of topics during the 2022 Tee Pee Summit being held Aug. 16 to Aug. 18 at Poundmaker’s Lodge in St. Albert, Alta. “We are providing a platform for the youth, to talk about what they want to see in their future…that will make things better for them,” said Keri Cardinal, event organizer.
https://windspeaker.com/news/windspeaker-news/young-people-have-their-s…
“I would argue that less than two per cent of our membership being consulted and offering their suggestions and feedback on a document that is going to impact us for years to come is not adequate.”
Ratification vote for MNA constitution to go ahead this fall despite criticisms of process, content
By Shari Narine, Windspeaker.com
AUG. 8—Métis Nation of Alberta members 16 years of age and older can vote this fall online and by mail on the third and final draft of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government Constitution. On Saturday, the last day of the MNA’s three-day annual general assembly, discussion was split on whether to move forward on a ratification vote on a constitution many in attendance felt was lacking in both substance and consultation.
Resolutions provide MNA with legal options if talks with province, feds unsuccessful
By Shari Narine, Windspeaker.com
AUG. 9—Resolutions that passed unanimously at the Métis Nation of Alberta’s annual general assembly gives the organization permission to pursue legal action if necessary. The MNA hopes to move forward in talks with the province for recognition of harvesting rights, and with the federal government to plot a process for negotiating a settlement for Métis scrip abuses. If neither happens, litigation will ensue.
“We really want to encourage folks to have the opportunity to experience Indigenous art, and the stunning beauty and unbelievable skill and craftsmanship that goes into the pieces.”
Professor donates over 150 Indigenous artifacts to Portage College
By Daniel Barker-Tremblay, CFWERadio.ca
AUG. 9—Portage College in Lac La Biche received over 152 artifact items that represent Indigenous culture from all parts of Canada. The donation was made by Dr. Michael Mucz, retired professor of biology at the University of Alberta’s Augustana Camrose campus, on July 27. The artifacts are valued at $76,000.
Professor donates over 150 Indigenous artifacts to Portage College - CFWE (cfweradio.ca)
“Although I make up a lot of stories, I find it real easy to think in short attention spans. I'm used to having the start, the middle, and the end all happen in three minutes and still make a point.”
Children’s book sets Buffy Sainte-Marie on a new path and learning experience
By Adam Laskaris, Windspeaker.com
AUG. 10—Though most would recognize Buffy Sainte-Marie for her extensive body of work in the music industry, the world-renowned singer-songwriter is also forging an impressive career as a children’s author. Sainte-Marie’s latest work comes in the way of a children’s chapter book called Tâpwê and the Magic Hat, which hit shelves this past June.
“There weren’t too many people who had seen it or remembered what our work was really like. And it was absolutely gorgeous.."
Métis artist returned to a life of beading and now has her work on a new coin
By Rebecca Medel, Windspeaker.com
AUG. 10—From the time Jennine Krauchi was a very young girl, she was always around beadwork. Her father sewed jackets, vests, moccasins, mukluks and other items of clothing, while her mother added beadwork designs to the garments. This month, Krauchi’s bead-inspired design for a new coin for the Canadian Mint was unveiled. The $20 fine silver coin is called Generations: The Red River Métis.
“We heard about this opportunity of an adult division and started recruiting people. It was like living out our youth dreams.”
Alberta Indigenous Games remains youth-focused, but tests adult category for basketball
By Sam Laskaris, Windspeaker.com
AUG. 10—A record of about 4,500 athletes will be participating in this year’s Alberta Indigenous Games (AIG). That’s a significant increase from the 2,700 athletes that competed at the games last year. The 2022 event, which will primarily be held in Edmonton, will begin on Thursday, Aug. 11, with the games’ opening ceremonies scheduled for 1 p.m. (MT).
“In Tewanee Joseph we knew we were getting a first-class coach and person of tremendous character. The Nanaimo Timbermen are thrilled Tewanee has received this much deserved recognition...”
Squamish Nation member captures Western Lacrosse Association coaching award
By Sam Laskaris, Windspeaker.com
AUG. 12—Tewanee Joseph has had some immediate success in his first year of coaching in the Western Lacrosse Association (WLA). In fact, earlier this week it was announced that Joseph, a Squamish Nation member, has been selected as the WLA’s coach of the year. The accolade was for Joseph’s regular season performances serving as the head coach of the Nanaimo Timbermen.
“Laughter is the reason for existence on the planet earth. To have a good time.”
Tomson Highway to lecture on the purpose of our existence on earth—laughter
By Crystal St.Pierre, Windspeaker.com
AUG. 12—Author, musician and playwright Tomson Highway is travelling across Canada to promote his new book Laughing with the Trickster: On Sex, Death, and Accordions. “They can look forward to laughing and having a very, very good time,” said Highway about his upcoming CBC Massey Lectures taking place in September.
“She’s incredibly talented. At first, I was taken aback by her switch from country to blues, but when I started really listening to her music and then seeing her perform, I realized she is a blues woman.”
Crystal Shawanda to hit the stage for Edmonton Blues Festival
By Crystal St.Pierre, Windspeaker.com
AUG. 12—Crystal Shawanda originally launched her career as a country music singer, but several years ago she followed her heart and found herself singing the blues. “I had a big hit. My album, it was the first time an Indigenous artist charted on the billboard charts in the top 20 in America.” said Shawanda. “But then I started feeling restless …”
https://windspeaker.com/news/windspeaker-news/crystal-shawanda-hit-stage-edmonton-blues-festival
OPINION
“When you are out and about remember our Elders, the grandmothers and grandfathers and those who are not very healthy. Do your part to protect them.”
Protect the vulnerable by wearing a mask
By Xavier Kataquapit, Under the Northern Sky
Aug. 3—My people have a long history of dealing with new, dangerous and deadly diseases that we had no protection against. During the First World War, I lost my great-grandfather to the 1918 influenza pandemic when he left his homeland on James Bay to volunteer for the war overseas. He never returned and he now lies in a burial plot just outside the city of London.
https://windspeaker.com/under-northern-sky-xavier-kataquapit/protect-vulnerable-wearing-mask